U.S. patent number 10,099,807 [Application Number 14/930,262] was granted by the patent office on 2018-10-16 for reversible box with tear-away strips.
This patent grant is currently assigned to BIG BOY SCOTTY S, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is BIG BOY SCOTTY S, LLC. Invention is credited to Troy L. Broetzman, Yale B. Eisen, John B. Hill.
United States Patent |
10,099,807 |
Eisen , et al. |
October 16, 2018 |
Reversible box with tear-away strips
Abstract
A reversible paperboard container having a bottom panel, a front
panel adjacent to and in foldable relationship with the bottom
panel. A back panel is adjacent to and in foldable relationship
with the bottom panel. A left side panel is adjacent to and in
foldable relationship with the bottom panel, a right side panel is
adjacent to and in foldable relationship with the bottom panel. A
first top panel is adjacent to and in foldable relationship with
the back panel, and a second top panel is adjacent to and in
foldable relationship with the front panel. The first top panel
includes a first adhesive strip to sealingly close the paperboard
container into a closed configuration. A first tear-away strip is
included on the first top panel to open the paperboard container
from the closed configuration, and a second adhesive strip to
sealingly close the paperboard container into a reversed, closed
configuration. The second top panel includes a second tear-away
strip to open the paperboard container from the reversed, closed
configuration.
Inventors: |
Eisen; Yale B. (Wilmette,
IL), Broetzman; Troy L. (North Aurora, IL), Hill; John
B. (Park Ridge, IL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BIG BOY SCOTTY S, LLC |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
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Assignee: |
BIG BOY SCOTTY S, LLC (Chicago,
IL)
|
Family
ID: |
55851814 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/930,262 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20160122069 A1 |
May 5, 2016 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62073601 |
Oct 31, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
5/547 (20130101); B65D 5/4233 (20130101); B65D
5/2076 (20130101); B65B 11/004 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
5/02 (20060101); B65D 5/20 (20060101); B65D
5/54 (20060101); B65B 11/00 (20060101); B65D
5/42 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;229/240,227,306,924,925,926 ;206/459.5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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201176319 |
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Jan 2009 |
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CN |
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8529244 |
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Dec 1985 |
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DE |
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0997380 |
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May 2000 |
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EP |
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1348633 |
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Oct 2003 |
|
EP |
|
Primary Examiner: Cheung; Chun
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Barnes & Thornburg LLP Zayia;
Gregory H.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/073,601, filed Oct. 31, 2014. The disclosure set forth in the
referenced application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A reversible paperboard container, comprising: a bottom panel; a
front panel adjacent to and in foldable relationship with the
bottom panel; a back panel adjacent to and in foldable relationship
with the bottom panel; a left side panel adjacent to and in
foldable relationship with the bottom panel; a right side panel
adjacent to and in foldable relationship with the bottom panel; a
first top panel adjacent to and in foldable relationship with the
back panel, the first top panel including: a first adhesive strip
to sealingly close the paperboard container into a first closed
configuration; a first tear-away strip to open the paperboard
container from the first closed configuration; a second adhesive
strip to sealingly close the paperboard container into a reversed,
second closed configuration; and a second top panel adjacent to and
in foldable relationship with the front panel, the second top panel
including a second tear-away strip to open the paperboard container
from the reversed, second closed configuration.
2. The reversible paperboard container of claim 1, further
comprising: the paper board material being formed of a corrugated
material having two generally planar surfaces with a corrugated
section secured between the two surfaces, the corrugated material
being cut and scored to define the various panels and features of
the container to facilitate folding of the container in a manner to
provide reversible use of the container.
3. The reversible paperboard container as in claim 1, further
comprising: the first adhesive strip having a peel away adhesive
backing to expose adhesive material and to protect the adhesive
material before use, the second adhesive strip having a peel away
backing to protect the adhesive material prior to use.
4. The reversible paperboard container of claim 1 further
comprising: a compatible first receiving adhesive strip
appropriately positioned on a surface of the container for
engagement with the first adhesive strip and a corresponding second
receiving adhesive strip positioned relative to and for engagement
with the second adhesive strip, the first adhesive strip, second
adhesive strip and a corresponding receiving adhesive strips not
requiring coverage as the strips are inert with regard to other
surfaces but formed of a material to provide compatible adhesive
engagement when contacting each other, the first adhesive strip
bonding with the corresponding first receiving strip when engaged
therewith in a first configuration and the second adhesive strip
bonding with the corresponding second receiving adhesive strip in a
reversed second configuration.
5. The reversible paperboard container of claim 1, comprising: at
least one of the first tear-away strip and the second tear-away
strip being formed in the container material of two generally
linear, parallel series of perforations which provide a weakened
area of material and which generally form a tear away strip for
removal and separation of two adjoining portions of the
corresponding panel.
6. A reversible paperboard container of claim 5 further comprising:
cuts provided in the material generally proximate to and as a
continuation of the perforations to form a pull able tab to help
initiate the removal of the tear able strip corresponding to the
panel.
7. A reversible paperboard container, comprising: a bottom panel; a
front panel adjacent to and in foldable relationship with the
bottom panel; a back panel adjacent to and in foldable relationship
with the bottom panel; a left side panel adjacent to and in
foldable relationship with the bottom panel; a right side panel
adjacent to and in foldable relationship with the bottom panel; a
first top panel adjacent to and in foldable relationship with the
back panel, the first top panel including: a first visual marking
indicating the location of first adhesive strip to sealingly close
the paperboard container into a first closed configuration; a first
tear-away strip to open the paperboard container from the first
closed configuration; a second visual marking indicating the
location of a second adhesive strip to sealingly close the
paperboard container into a reversed, second closed configuration;
and a second top panel adjacent to and in foldable relationship
with the front panel, the second top panel including a second
tear-away strip to open the paperboard container from the reversed,
second closed configuration.
8. The reversible paperboard container of claim 7, further
comprising: the paper board material being formed of a corrugated
material having two generally planar surfaces with a corrugated
section secured between the two surfaces, the corrugated material
being cut and scored to define the various panels and features of
the container to facilitate folding of the container in a manner to
provide reversible use of the container.
9. The reversible paperboard container as in claim 7, further
comprising: the first adhesive strip having a peel away adhesive
backing to expose adhesive material and to protect the adhesive
material before use, the second adhesive strip having a peel away
backing to protect the adhesive material prior to use.
10. The reversible paperboard container of claim 7, further
comprising: a compatible first receiving adhesive strip
appropriately positioned on a surface of the container for
engagement with the first adhesive strip and a corresponding second
receiving adhesive strip positioned relative to and for engagement
with the second adhesive strip, the first adhesive strip, second
adhesive strip and a corresponding receiving adhesive strips not
requiring coverage as the strips are inert with regard to other
surfaces but formed of a material to provide compatible adhesive
engagement when contacting each other, the first adhesive strip
bonding with the corresponding first receiving strip when engaged
therewith in a first configuration and the second adhesive strip
bonding with the corresponding second receiving adhesive strip in a
reversed second configuration.
11. The reversible paperboard container of claim 7, comprising: at
least one of the first tear-away strip and the second tear-away
strip being formed in the container material of two generally
linear, parallel series of perforations which provide a weakened
area of material and which generally form a tear away strip for
removal and separation of two adjoining portions of the
corresponding panel.
12. A reversible paperboard container of claim 11, further
comprising: cuts provided in the material generally proximate to
and as a continuation of the perforations to form a pull able tab
to help initiate the removal of the tear able strip corresponding
to the panel.
13. A reversible paperboard container, comprising: a bottom panel;
a front panel adjacent to and in foldable relationship with the
bottom panel; a back panel adjacent to and in foldable relationship
with the bottom panel; a left side panel adjacent to and in
foldable relationship with the bottom panel; a right side panel
adjacent to and in foldable relationship with the bottom panel; a
first top panel adjacent to and in foldable relationship with the
back panel, the first top panel including: a first adhesive strip
to sealingly close the paperboard container into a first closed
configuration; a first tear-away strip to open the paperboard
container from the first closed configuration; a visual marking
indicating the location of a second adhesive strip to sealingly
close the paperboard container into a reversed, second closed
configuration; and a second top panel adjacent to and in foldable
relationship with the front panel, the second top panel including a
second tear-away strip to open the paperboard container from the
reversed, second closed configuration.
14. The reversible paperboard container of claim 13, further
comprising: the paper board material being formed of a corrugated
material having two generally planar surfaces with a corrugated
section secured between the two surfaces, the corrugated material
being cut and scored to define the various panels and features of
the container to facilitate folding of the container in a manner to
provide reversible use of the container.
15. The reversible paperboard container as in claim 13, further
comprising: the first adhesive strip having a peel away adhesive
backing to expose adhesive material and to protect the adhesive
material before use, the second adhesive strip having a peel away
backing to protect the adhesive material prior to use.
16. The reversible paperboard container of claim 13, further
comprising: a compatible adhesive strip appropriately positioned on
a surface of the container for engagement with the first adhesive
strip and a corresponding adhesive strip positioned relative to and
for engagement with the second adhesive strip, the first adhesive
strip, second adhesive strip and a corresponding receiving adhesive
strips no requiring coverage as the strips are inert with regard to
other surfaces but formed of a material to provide compatible
adhesive engagement when contacting each other, the first adhesive
strip bonding with the corresponding receiving strip when engaged
therewith in a first configuration and the second adhesive strip
bonding with the corresponding receiving adhesive strip in a
reversed second configuration.
17. The reversible paperboard container of claim 13, comprising: at
least one of the first tear-away strip and the second tear-away
strip being formed in the container material of two generally
linear, parallel series of perforations which provide a weakened
area of material and which generally form a tear away strip for
removal and separation of two adjoining portions of the
corresponding panel.
18. A reversible paperboard container of claim 17, further
comprising: cuts provided in the material generally proximate to
and as a continuation of the perforations to form a pull able tab
to help initiate the removal of the tear able strip corresponding
to the panel.
Description
BACKGROUND
Individuals often need to store products, transport products, or
ship products from one location to another. A common approach for
storing, transporting, or shipping products is to package the
products in a paperboard container. However, existing paperboard
containers present several drawbacks that make them more laborious
and cumbersome to open, more laborious and cumbersome to close, and
more wasteful and less conducive for reuse.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to develop improved
configurations, systems, and methods for making and using
paperboard containers. It would be desirable for the paperboard
containers to be fabricated in a manner that promotes easy and
efficient reuse of the box. It would also be desirable for the
paperboard containers to be fabricated in a manner that facilitates
efficient closing and efficient opening, both during initial use
and during a reuse of the box.
This background information is provided to provide some information
believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the
present disclosure. No admission is intended, nor should such
admission be inferred or construed, that any of the preceding
information constitutes prior art against the present disclosure.
Other aims, objects, advantages and features of the disclosure will
become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive
description of specific embodiments thereof, given by way of
example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure describes configurations, systems, and
methods for making and using paperboard containers. Disclosed
embodiments show paperboard containers having multiple panels along
with associated flaps that are shaped, sized, and arranged
according to particular configurations, dimensions, and aspect
ratios. The panels and flaps are in foldable relationship with one
another such that the paperboard container can be folded into a
closed box form.
In illustrative embodiments, the paperboard container may be
designed for easy and efficient reuse through reversibility, with
an initial use in which the box is in a first orientation and a
subsequent use in which the box is in a reversed orientation. The
paperboard container may provide features that promote easy opening
and closing during both the initial use and a subsequent reuse.
Such features may include a first adhesive strip that promotes easy
and efficient closure of the paperboard container during a first
use, and a first tear-away strip that promotes easy and efficient
opening of the paperboard container during the first use. Such
features may also include a second adhesive strip that promotes
easy and efficient closure of the paperboard container during a
second use, and a second tear-away strip that promotes easy and
efficient opening of the paperboard container during the second
use. Illustratively, the first and second adhesive strips are both
provided on a common side of an adhesive-carrying top panel, and
the first tear-away strip is also provided on the adhesive-carrying
top panel, while the second tear-away strip is provided on another
top panel different from the adhesive-carrying top panel.
In other illustrative embodiments, the paperboard container does
not include adhesive strips, but instead includes visual markings
or indicia delineating where adhesive strips should be placed. A
visual marking can be placed on the container in a first location
delineating the appropriate placement of an adhesive strip during a
first use of the container, and a visual marking can be placed in a
second location on the container delineating the appropriate
placement of an adhesive strip during a second use of the
paperboard container. Alternatively, the paperboard container may
be provided with one adhesive strip for an initial use of the
paperboard container, but may include a visual marking delineating
the appropriate placement of an adhesive strip for a second use of
the paperboard container.
In other illustrative embodiments, a folding jig is provided to
facilitate easy and efficient folding of panels and flaps in a
desired manner.
Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent
to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative
embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the
disclosure as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying
figures in which:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a paperboard container in accordance with
the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the paperboard container in an open
configuration oriented for a first use in accordance with the
present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the paperboard container with left
and right side panels folded upright in accordance with the present
disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the paperboard container with side
flaps folded inward, and with an adhesive strip backing partially
removed as to expose an underlying adhesive material;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the paperboard container with front
and back panels folded upright in accordance with the present
disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the paperboard container shown in
FIG. 5 and rotated 180 degrees to show the adhesive strip on the
corresponding second top panel, with a first top panel folded down,
and showing a second, adhesive-carrying top panel approaching the
first top panel in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the paperboard container in a
closed and sealed configuration in preparation for shipping in
accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the paperboard with a first
tear-away strip being torn off to open the paperboard container in
accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the paperboard container in an
opened and substantially flat configuration for access to the item
contained inside the container, after a recipient has opened the
paperboard container in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the paperboard container in a
reversed, open orientation in which the container has been flipped
to permit the former outside surface of the container to be used as
the inside surface of the reused container, in preparation for a
subsequent reuse of the paperboard container;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the paperboard container in the
reversed orientation during the subsequent reuse, in which the left
side panel, the right side panel, the front panel, and the back
panel have been folded upright in preparation for closing and
sealing the paperboard container in accordance with the present
disclosure;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the paperboard container in the
reversed orientation during the subsequent reuse, in which an
adhesive-carrying top panel has been folded down, and showing that
an adhesive strip backing of a second adhesive strip has been
partially removed as to expose underlying adhesive material in
accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the paperboard container in the
reversed orientation during the subsequent reuse, in which the
paperboard container has been closed and sealed in preparation for
a subsequent delivery in accordance with the present
disclosure;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the paperboard container in the
reversed orientation during the subsequent use, in which a second
tear-away strip is being removed to open the paperboard container a
second time in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 15A is an alternate embodiment of the paperboard container
depicted in FIG. 1, in which the paperboard container includes
visual markings indicating where a first adhesive strip can be
placed for a first use of the container and where a second adhesive
strip can be placed for a second use of the container;
FIG. 15B is an alternate embodiment of the paperboard container
depicted in FIG. 1, in which the paperboard container includes one
adhesive strip for use during a first usage of the paperboard
container, and a visual marking at a second location indicating
where an adhesive strip may be placed during a subsequent use of
the container;
FIG. 16 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a paperboard
container having different dimensions as compared to the paperboard
container depicted in FIG. 1;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a jig that can be used to receive
and facilitate controlled and orderly closure of the paperboard
container depicted in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the paperboard container of FIG. 1
that has been partially folded through use of the jig depicted in
FIG. 17.
The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the
disclosure that are not to be construed as limiting the scope of
the disclosure in any manner. Additional features of the present
disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative
embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the
disclosure as presently perceived.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While the present disclosure may be susceptible to embodiment in
different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be
described in detail, embodiments with the understanding that the
present description is to be considered an exemplification of the
principles of the disclosure. The disclosure is not limited in its
application to the details of structure, function, construction, or
the arrangement of components (e.g., flaps, panels, etc.) set forth
in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for
the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The use of various phrases and terms is meant to encompass the
items or functions identified and equivalents thereof as well as
additional items or functions. Unless limited otherwise, various
phrases, terms, and variations thereof herein are used broadly and
encompass all variations of such phrases and terms. Furthermore,
and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific
configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to
exemplify embodiments of the disclosure. However, other alternative
structures, dimensions, proportions, functions, and configurations
are possible which are considered to be within the teachings of the
present disclosure. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the
term "or" is to be considered inclusive.
Description will now be given with reference to the attached
figures. It should be understood that these figures are exemplary
in nature and in no way serve to limit the scope of the
invention.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a paperboard container 100 in accordance
with the present disclosure. In this illustrative embodiment,
paperboard container 100 is formed from one continuous sheet of
paperboard in flat form that is subdivided or scored into several
panels, flaps, and other features, as will be described in more
detail below. However, paperboard container 100 could, in
alternative embodiments, be made from multiple sheets of paperboard
that are affixed together through adhesives, staples, or other
binding mechanisms that are known in the art or hereafter
developed. Moreover, paperboard container 100 may be formed of a
corrugated material of known construction having two generally
planar surfaces with a portion of corrugated material secured there
between, the material is not limited to fabrication from a board
material made of paper. The paperboard container 100 could be
formed from any material suitable for box packaging, including
composite materials, foam board, plastics, or any other material
that is currently know or here after created that can be formed
into sheet material for fabrication of the structures shown and
described herein and can function in accordance with the teaching
shown and described herein. The materials forming paperboard
container 100 could be a variety of thicknesses, which may be
determined by an application at hand--e.g., larger boxes designed
to carry bulkier and/or heavier loads may require thicker
paperboard materials.
The paperboard container 100 includes a bottom panel 1, a right
side panel 7, a left side panel 9, a back panel 3, a front panel 5,
a first, adhesive-carrying top panel 11, and a second top panel 13.
The bottom panel 1 is adjacent to and in foldable relationship with
right side panel 7, left side panel 9, back panel 3, and front
panel 5. The back panel 3 is adjacent to and in foldable
relationship with first, adhesive-carrying top panel 11. The front
panel 5 is adjacent to and in foldable relationship with second top
panel 13.
More particularly, bottom panel 1 is in foldable relationship with
right side panel 7 through crease 1a, is in foldable relationship
with front panel 5 through crease 1b, is in foldable relationship
with left side panel 9 through crease 1c, and is in foldable
relationship with back panel 3 through crease 1d. The back panel 3
is in foldable relationship with first, adhesive-carrying top panel
11 through crease 3a. The front panel 5 is adjacent to and in
foldable relationship with second top panel 13 through crease
5a.
The bottom panel 1, right side panel 7, left side panel 9, back
panel 3, and front panel 5 may be folded using the foldable
relationships among these panels to form five of six faces of a
box. When paperboard container 100 is folded into a closed box
form, the outside surface of the bottom panel 1 will serve as the
bottom face of the box, the outside surface of the right side panel
7 will serve as the right face of the box, the outside surface of
the left side panel 9 will serve as the left face of the box, the
outside surface of the front panel 5 will serve as the front face
of the box, and the outside surface of the back panel 3 will serve
as the back face of the box.
A sixth face of the box--the top face--is illustratively formed by
a combination of first, adhesive carrying top panel 11 and second
top panel 13. In a closed box configuration, first, adhesive
carrying top panel 11 and second top panel 13 may partially or
fully overlap with one another as to form the top face, as will be
explained in more detail below.
It should be understood that the above-recited directional labels,
and similar directional labels to be used below, simply establish a
convention for narrative reference. For example, a user could
signify that front panel 5 should serve as a back of a box (e.g.,
through markings on the box) should the user so desire.
In this illustrative embodiment, bottom panel 1, right side panel
7, left side panel 9, back panel 3, front panel 5, first,
adhesive-carrying top panel 11, and second top panel 13 are
generally rectangular. Their respective, generally rectangular
shapes may, in varying embodiments, take on varying aspect ratios
depending on the dimensional requirements for a desired box. In
other embodiments, one or more of bottom panel 1, right side panel
7, left side panel 9, back panel 3, front panel 5, first,
adhesive-carrying top panel 11, and second top panel 13 may be
other shapes, such as trapezoidal. Generally, any suitable
generally compatible geometric shapes can be used such that those
shapes, when folded according to the above-described foldable
relationships, may collectively form a closed-form box.
Although generally rectangular in shape, certain panels
illustratively include additional structural features. For example,
bottom panel 1 includes inwardly concave, rounded cuts 101a-d. The
dimension of rounded cuts 101a-d, including length and radius of
curvature, may be selected as to provide gaps 102a-d of a
predetermined width between back panel 3 and flaps 17, 23 (to be
discussed in more detail below), and between front panel 5 and
flaps 15, 21 (to be discussed in more detail below).
Illustratively, predetermined width of gaps 102a-d is approximately
equal to the thickness of the paperboard material of which
paperboard container 100 is fabricated, but other suitable widths
may be selected.
Another such structural feature includes outwardly extending flares
103a-d extending from back panel 3 and front panel 5. The width 104
of flares 103a-d may be selected to be approximately equal to the
thickness of the paperboard material of which the paperboard
container 100 is fabricated, but other suitable widths may be
selected.
The first, adhesive carrying top panel 11 includes features useful
for easy and efficient opening and closing of paperboard container
100. Illustratively, first, adhesive carrying top panel 11 includes
a first adhesive strip 25, a second adhesive strip 27, and a first
tear-away strip 29. As will be explained in more detail below,
first adhesive strip 25 is used to close the paperboard container
100 during a first use, while second adhesive strip 27 is used to
close paperboard container 100 during a subsequent use. The first
tear-away strip 29 is used to open paperboard container 100 during
the first use, and a second tear-away strip 31 (on the second top
panel 13, to be discussed below) is used to open paperboard
container 100 during the subsequent use.
First adhesive strip 25 illustratively includes a protective,
adhesive backing 25a and an adhesive material 25b disposed directly
on a surface of paperboard container 100, as more clearly shown in
FIG. 4. A second adhesive strip illustratively includes a
protective, adhesive backing (analogous to the adhesive backing
25a) and an adhesive material 26a disposed directly on a surface of
paperboard container 100, as shown in FIG. 6. The adhesive material
26a is configured for contacting a corresponding receiving adhesive
strip--for example, a second receiving adhesive strip 26b as shown
in FIG. 6. In use, a user may peel away adhesive backing 25a as to
expose adhesive material 25b, such that the surface area covered by
adhesive material 25b can adhere to another surface affixed
thereto. Suitable materials for adhesive backing 25a and adhesive
material 25b are generally known, and any such material can be used
in connection with adhesive strip 25. For example, an adhesive
material having double sided material could be used with one side
being secured to the surface of the paperboard material with the
removable backing covering the remaining adhesive side for use as
described. The adhesive strip could also eliminate the backing by
having a contact adhesive which is generally inert or non-adhesive
relative to other surfaces but adhesive when it contacts another
compatible material, such as an appropriately positioned
corresponding receiving adhesive strip--for example, the receiving
adhesive strip (25c) shown in FIG. 6--to which it may bond forming
an adhesive connection.
First adhesive strip 25 is located near a front edge 106 (i.e., an
edge 106 that will be disposed towards a front of paperboard
container 100 when placed in a closed configuration, as shown in
FIG. 7). First adhesive strip 25 has a length 108 that spans a
generally predetermined length, range of lengths, or distance
alongside the length of front edge 106. In this illustrative
embodiment, length 108 of adhesive strip 25 is about one-third the
length of edge 106. Generally, however, any shape and dimension for
adhesive strip 25 may be used such that adhesive material 25b
covers sufficient surface area as to provide effective and durable
adhesion while paperboard container 100 is in transit.
The second adhesive strip 27 is located near crease 3a, and in this
illustrative embodiment is similarly shaped, sized, and
manufactured as first adhesive strip 25.
The first tear-away strip 29 is configured to allow a user to tear
open paperboard container 100 after it has been placed in a closed
configuration, as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, first tear-away strip 29
is illustratively formed integrally as part of first, adhesive
carrying top panel 11 through two perforated rows 29a and 29b. The
tear-away strip 29 also includes two generally linear, parallel
cuts 29c and 29d which provide a weakened area of the material and
which together form a pullable tab 29e. As more clearly illustrated
in FIG. 8, a user can pull upwards on pullable tab 29e to begin
tearing of tear-away strip 29, and continue pulling on tab 29e to
cause continued tearing along perforated rows 29a and 29b. The
tear-away strip 29 is disposed between first adhesive strip 25 and
second adhesive strip 27, and in this example is disposed closer to
first adhesive strip 25 than second adhesive strip 27. While the
tear-away strip is shown as a portion of the material that has been
formed with perforated rows and cuts providing a pullable tab, the
tearable strip may be configured of any type of arrangement of
materials and/or cuts or other weakening of material that can help
cut, rip, detach or otherwise separate two adjoining portions of
the material for facilitating opening of the container, which
arrangement is currently known or hereafter developed and
compatible with the teachings of this disclosure.
Second top panel 13 includes a second tear-away strip 31 similarly
sized, shaped, and configured as first tear-away strip 29. Thus,
second tear-away strip 31 includes two generally linear, parallel
series of perforations or perforated rows 31a and 31b which provide
a weakened area of the material and which together form the
corresponding tear-away strip, and two cuts 31c and 31d that form a
pullable tab 31e. FIG. 14, which will be described in more detail
below, shows the use of second tear-away strip 31 in opening
paperboard container 100 during a subsequent use.
In addition to the panels and panel features described above, the
paperboard container 100 also includes flaps adjoined to right side
panel 7 and left side panel 9. These flaps may be configured to add
to the structural integrity of paperboard container 100 when in a
closed configuration. The flaps can also be configured to maintain
a predetermined position or condition in the closed state as
illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 without the use of internal or external
adhesive tape, stapling, gluing, or other fasteners.
Illustratively, paperboard container 100 includes a right side back
flap 17 that is in foldable relationship with right side panel 7
through crease 7a, a right side top flap 19 that is in foldable
relationship with right side panel 7 through crease 7b, and a right
side front flap 15 that is in foldable relationship with right side
panel 7 through crease 7c. The paperboard container 100 also
includes a left side back flap 23 that is in foldable relationship
with left side panel 9 through crease 9a, a left side top flap 25
that is in foldable relationship with left side panel 9 through
crease 9b, and a left side front flap 21 that is in foldable
relationship with left side panel 9 through crease 9c.
The flaps 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, and 25 are generally rectangular, and
may, in varying embodiments, take on varying aspect ratios
depending on the dimensional requirements for a desired box.
Although generally rectangular in shape, in this illustrative
embodiment certain flaps include additional structural features.
For example, right side top flap 19 and left side top flap 25
include rounded flares 120a-d. The dimensions, including width and
radius of curvature of rounded flares 120a-d, may vary. In this
illustrative embodiment, width 122 of rounded flares 120a-d is
approximately equal to the thickness of the paperboard material of
which paperboard container 100 is fabricated.
FIGS. 2-7 illustrate an exemplary methodology for closing
paperboard container 100. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of
paperboard container 100 in an open configuration, in which a user
has placed an object 130 onto bottom panel 1, ready for storage or
shipping. As shown in FIG. 3, the user may begin closing paperboard
container 100 by folding left side panel 9 vertically upwards about
crease 1c, and by folding right side panel 7 vertically upwards
about crease 1a. Left side panel 9 and right side panel 7 will then
be disposed generally orthogonal to bottom panel 1.
As shown in FIG. 4, the user may next fold right side top flap 19
and left side top flap 25 downwards, such that right side top flap
19 and left side top flap 25 assume horizontal dispositions and
extend towards one another. The user may also fold right side back
flap 17 and left side back flap 23 inwards, such that they extend
towards one another, and similarly fold right side front flap 15
and left side front flap 21 inwards, such that they extend towards
one another. Right side top flap 19, right side back flap 17, and
right side front flap 15 will then be disposed generally orthogonal
to right side panel 7, and left side top flap 25, left side back
flap 23, and left side front flap 21 will then be disposed
generally orthogonal to left side panel 9.
FIG. 4 also shows that a user may remove adhesive backing 25a as to
expose adhesive material 25b, in preparation for sealing paperboard
container 100, as will be shown below. The adhesive backing 25a can
then be discarded.
FIG. 5 shows that the user may next fold back panel 3 and front
panel 5 vertically upwards about creases 1d and 1b, respectively.
Back panel 3 and front panel 5 will then be disposed generally
orthogonal to bottom panel 1.
FIG. 6 shows that the user may next fold down second top panel 13
about crease 5a as to be disposed horizontally and orthogonal top
front panel 5. The user may also draw downwards first, adhesive
carrying top panel 11 about crease 3a. In doing so, the user may
draw exposed adhesive material 25b towards a target location 126
that will affix to adhesive material 25b.
FIG. 7 shows that the user may fully draw down first, adhesive
carrying top panel 11, putting exposed adhesive material 25b in
contact with target location 126 on second top panel 13. The user
may, optionally, apply pressure to first, adhesive carrying top
panel 11 to ensure a proper seal has been formed between exposed
adhesive material 25b and target location 126. An address label 128
or other markings or indicia can be affixed to paperboard container
100, which can then be shipped to a recipient.
FIGS. 8-9 show how paperboard container 100 may be opened. FIG. 8
shows that a user has pulled tab 29e, causing tears along
perforated rows 29a and 29b. After continuing to pull tab 29e,
tear-away strip 29 will disengage from first, adhesive carrying top
panel 11, which decouples a sealed portion 11b of first, adhesive
carrying top panel 11 from an unsealed portion 11a of first,
adhesive carrying top panel 11.
The decoupling of sealed portion 11b from unsealed portion 11a
causes paperboard container 100 to open, as shown in FIG. 9. In
illustrative embodiments, the decoupling causes paperboard
container 100 to open into a generally flat orientation exposing
shipped goods 130, as also shown in FIG. 9. While packaging
materials such as cushioning, padding, or other packaging is not
shown in the figures, such material could be used, but is not shown
for ease of illustrating the structures of the container 100. The
sealed portion 11b remains affixed to second top panel 13 adjacent
to crease 5a.
That the box opens or collapses into a flat orientation is useful
to a user because the user can reach laterally towards goods 130.
With alternative, conventional paperboard containers, a user may
open a top panel of the box, but the sides of the box would not
collapse. The user would then have to reach over the sides and into
the box in order to reach desired goods, and then pull the desired
goods vertically out of the box. This is laborious, time consuming,
and can cause physical pain. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9,
a user can reach laterally towards goods 130 without being impeded
by any panels.
FIGS. 10-14 show how paperboard container 100 can be reused a
subsequent time, such as by the recipient of goods 130. FIG. 10
shows that the recipient has flipped paperboard container 100 from
the orientation depicted in FIG. 9 to a reverse orientation shown
in FIG. 10. Thus, a first side 132 of paperboard container 100 that
was previously upwards facing has been flipped over to be downwards
facing. The first side 132 had been an interior surface of
paperboard container 100 during the first usage as depicted in
FIGS. 2-9, and will serve as an exterior surface during the
subsequent usage.
Meanwhile, a second side 134 that had served as an exterior surface
of paperboard container 100 during the first usage will serve as
the interior surface during the subsequent usage. This provides the
benefit that address label 128 or any other markings or indicia
that had been placed on side 134 while it served as an exterior
surface will be positioned, during the subsequent usage, on an
interior surface and therefore not be externally visible when the
paperboard container 100 assumes a closed configuration during the
subsequent usage. This frees the first side 132, which will serve
as an exterior surface during the subsequent usage, from
distracting labels, markings, or indicia that were relevant to the
first usage but not relevant to the subsequent usage, and allows
the recipient to place new labels, markings, and indicia onto side
132 that are relevant to the subsequent usage.
FIG. 10 shows that the recipient, after having flipped paperboard
container 100 into a reverse orientation, may place goods 136 that
will be shipped during the subsequent usage onto bottom panel
1.
FIG. 11 shows that the recipient may next fold left side panel 9
vertically upwards about crease 1c, and fold right side panel 7
vertically upwards about crease 1a. Left side panel 9 and right
side panel 7 will then be disposed generally orthogonal to bottom
panel 1. The user may next fold right side top flap 19 and left
side top flap 25 downwards, such that right side top flap 19 and
left side top flap 25 assume horizontal dispositions and extend
towards one another. The user may also fold right side back flap 17
and left side back flap 23 inwards, such that they extend towards
one another, and similarly fold right side front flap 15 and left
side front flap 21 inwards, such that they extend towards one
another. Right side top flap 19, right side back flap 17, and right
side front flap 15 will then be disposed generally orthogonal to
right side panel 7, and left side top flap 25, left side back flap
23, and left side front flap 21 will then be disposed generally
orthogonal to left side panel 9. Next, the user may fold back panel
3 and front panel 5 vertically upwards about creases 1d and 1b,
respectively. Back panel 3 and front panel 5 will then be disposed
generally orthogonal to bottom panel 1.
As shown in FIG. 12, the recipient may then fold down unsealed
portion 11a of first, adhesive carrying top panel 11 down, as to
assume a generally horizontal orientation. The user may then remove
adhesive backing 27a as to expose adhesive material 27b, in
preparation for sealing paperboard container 100, as will be shown
below. The adhesive backing 27a can then be discarded.
The user may then draw second top panel 13 downwards towards
unsealed portion 11a of first, adhesive carrying top panel 11, thus
drawing a target location 140 towards exposed adhesive material
27b.
FIG. 13 shows that the recipient may fully draw down second top
panel 13, putting target location 140 in contact with exposed
adhesive material 27b. The user may, optionally, apply pressure to
second top panel 13 to ensure a proper seal has been formed between
exposed adhesive material 27b and target location 140. As shown,
side 132 of paperboard container 100 now forms the exterior surface
of paperboard container 100, which is free of distracting address
labels, markings or indicia from the prior usage of paperboard
container 100, and allows the user to place a new address label 146
on paperboard container 100.
FIG. 14 shows that a subsequent recipient of paperboard container
100, upon receipt of paperboard container 100, may open paperboard
container 100 by pulling on tab 31e. This causes tear-away strip
131 to decouple an unsealed portion 13a of second top panel 13 from
a sealed portion 13b of second top panel 13. The sealed portion 13b
remains affixed to exposed adhesive material 127b on top panel
portion 11a.
The decoupling of sealed portion 13b from unsealed portion 13a
causes paperboard container 100 to open. In illustrative
embodiments, the decoupling causes the paperboard container 100 to
open to a generally flat orientation, which is beneficial for the
reasons explained above.
FIGS. 15A-B show alternative embodiments of a paperboard container
in accordance with the present disclosure that do not include one
or both of first adhesive strip 25 and second adhesive strip 27.
Providing first adhesive strip 25 and second adhesive strip 27 on
paperboard container 100 may be beneficial in that both the first
user and the second user of paperboard container 100 can easily
seal paperboard container 100. As explained above, the first user
can simply remove adhesive backing 25a in order to expose adhesive
material 25b, and the second user can simply remove adhesive
backing 27a in order to expose adhesive material 27b. This provides
both the first and second user with ready access to adhesive
materials used for sealing paperboard container 100.
However, adhesive strips 25 and 27 may add to the cost of
production for paperboard container 100, and some consumers may not
want to pay for this additional cost. For example, some consumers
may not care to seal paperboard container 100 or may have their own
preferred mechanisms for sealing paperboard container 100. Such
consumers may not want to incur the additional cost associated with
adhesive strips 25 and 27.
Other consumers may desire first adhesive strip 25, but may be less
interested in second adhesive strip 27. Such a consumer may seek a
paperboard container having first adhesive strip 25 so that the
consumer has ready access to a sealing mechanism during that
consumer's initial usage of paperboard container 100. But the
consumer may not want to pay for second adhesive strip 27, which
may be used--if at all--by someone else, such as the recipient of
paperboard container 100.
Accordingly, FIG. 15A shows an embodiment of a paperboard container
1500 that includes neither adhesive strip 25 nor adhesive strip 27,
while FIG. 15B shows an embodiment of a paperboard container 1550
that includes adhesive strip 25 but does not include adhesive strip
27.
Turning first to FIG. 15A, paperboard container 1500,
illustratively, is the same as paperboard container 100 discussed
above, but does not include first adhesive strip 25 or second
adhesive strip 27. Instead, paperboard container includes a first
visual marking 1502 at a location that was occupied by first
adhesive strip 25 in connection with paperboard container 100, and
a second visual marking 1504 at a location that was occupied by
second adhesive strip 27 in connection with paperboard container
100. Each of visual markings 1502, 1504 indicate to a user where
the user can place adhesive material to close and seal paperboard
container 1500.
The first visual marking 1502 may, illustratively, read "PLACE
ADHESIVE HERE FOR FIRST USE." This indicates to a first user of
paperboard container 1500 the location where adhesive material
should be placed during a first use of paperboard container 1500.
The user may place an adhesive material at the location of visual
marking 1502, such as double-sided tape, glue, etc. The user may
then close paperboard container 1500 in like fashion as what was
described for paperboard container 100 in connection with FIGS.
2-7, above.
After the recipient opens paperboard container 1500 and wishes to
reuse it, the recipient may observe second visual marking 1504,
which illustratively reads "PLACE ADHESIVE HERE FOR SECOND USE."
This indicates to the recipient where adhesive material should be
placed during the subsequent of paperboard container 1500. The user
may place an adhesive material at the location of visual marking
1504, such as double-sided tape, glue, etc. The user may then close
paperboard container 1500 in like fashion as what was described for
paperboard container 100 in connection with FIGS. 10-13, above.
FIG. 15B shows an embodiment of a paperboard container 1550 that
includes first adhesive strip 25, but does not include second
adhesive strip 27. In place of second adhesive strip 27, paperboard
container includes visual marking 1504 described above, which
illustratively reads "PLACE ADHESIVE HERE FOR SECOND USE." A first
user of paperboard container 1550 may close paperboard container
1550 for shipment according to the methodology discussed above for
paperboard container 100 in connection with FIGS. 2-7. The second
user of paperboard container 1550 may then observe second visual
marking 1504, and place an adhesive material at the location of
visual marking 1504, such as double-sided tape, glue, etc. The user
may then close paperboard container 1550 in like fashion as what
was described for paperboard container 100 in connection with FIGS.
10-13, above.
FIG. 16 shows a paperboard container 1600 having panels and flaps
with alternative dimensions to that of paperboard container 100.
The paperboard container 1600 has a bottom panel 1601, a back panel
1603, a front panel 1605, a first, adhesive-carrying top panel
1611, and a second top panel 1613 that are shorter in the x
dimension and longer in the y dimension as compared to
corresponding panels of paperboard container 100. The paperboard
container 1600 has a right side panel 1607 and a left side panel
1609 that are longer in the x dimension as compared to
corresponding panels of paperboard container 100. The paperboard
container 1600 has a right side back flap 1617, a right side front
flap 1615, a left side back flap 1623, and a left side front flap
1621 that are longer in the y dimension as compared to
corresponding flaps of paperboard container 100. The paperboard
container 1600 has a right side top flap 1619 and a left side top
flap 1625 that are longer in the x dimension as compared to
corresponding flaps of paperboard container 100.
FIG. 17 shows a folding jig 1700 that facilitates easy and
efficient folding of paperboard container 100 in accordance with
the present disclosure. The folding jig 1700 can be made of any
material having sufficient structural integrity, such as cardboard,
plastics, or wood.
The folding jig 1700 has a generally rectangular base 1707. The
rectangular base 1707 is terminated by four faces--two front and
back folding faces 1704 and two side folding faces 1705. The front
and back folding faces 1704 meet side folding faces 1705 at edges
1706, two of which are depicted in FIG. 17 and two of which are
obscured from view. The two front and back folding faces 1704 and
two side folding faces 1705 generally form a negative space
rectangular prism, whose dimensions may vary based on the
dimensions of the paperboard container 100 being folded.
The front and back folding faces 1704 and two side folding faces
1705 extend upwards vertically or near-vertically. In this
illustrative embodiment, front and back folding faces 1704 and two
side folding faces 1705 are slightly inclined outwardly away from a
vertical orientation.
The front and back folding faces 1704 extend upwards to meet front
and back folding ramps 1708. The front and back folding ramps 1708
are further inclined away from a vertical orientation than front
and back folding faces 1704, as to provide an outward flare
extending away from rectangular base 1707. Similarly, two side
folding faces 1705 extend upwards to meet side folding ramps 1710.
The side folding ramps 1710 are further inclined away from a
vertical orientation than side folding faces 1705, as to provide an
outward flare extending away from rectangular base 1707.
Extending outwards from an exterior surface 1705a of side folding
faces 1705 are winged flap folding extensions 1712. The winged flap
folding extensions 1712 include inward-facing, inclined edges
1712a.
FIG. 18 shows a paperboard container that has been partially folded
through use of jig 1700 depicted in FIG. 17. In one exemplary use
of folding jig 1700, the user aligns paperboard container 100, in
the open configuration as shown in FIG. 1, vertically above folding
jig 1700 such that bottom panel 1 is roughly parallel to
rectangular base 1707 and contained within the vertical footprint
of rectangular base 1707. The user aligns left side panel 9 and
right side panel 7 over respective side folding ramps 1710, aligns
front panel 5 and back panel 3 over respective front and back
folding ramps 1708, and aligns right side front flap 15, right side
back flap 17, left side front flap 21, and left side back flap 23
over winged flap folding extensions 1712.
Next, the user, either directly or using a machine, applies a force
normal to the plane of paperboard container 100 (e.g., normal to
bottom panel 1 and rectangular base 1707). Upon application of such
a normal-force, several actions lead to the partial folding of
paperboard container 100, though not necessarily in the order
described. First, inward-facing, inclined edges 1712a of winged
flap folding extensions 1712 make contact with right side front
flap 15, right side back flap 17, left side front flap 21, and left
side back flap 23, causing them to fold inwards about creases 7a,
7c, 9a, and 9c, respectively. Second, side folding ramps 1710 make
contact with left side panel 9 and right side panel 7, causing them
to fold inwards about creases 1a and 1c, respectively. Third, front
and back folding ramps 1708 make contact with front panel 5 and
back panel 3, causing them to fold inwards about creases 1b and 1d,
respectively. As the user continues pressing down on bottom panel
1, the above-described folding actions continue until paperboard
container 100 assumes the partially folded configuration shown in
FIG. 18.
As shown, use of folding jig 1700 saves a user several folding
steps. The user may complete any remaining folding, closing, and
sealing operations in the manner depicted above in connection with
FIGS. 2-7.
The folding jig 1700 may also be used during a second use of
paperboard container 100 when in the reverse orientation, in
similar fashion as what was described above, except that the user
will place paperboard container 100 over folding jig 1700 in a
flipped orientation, such that side 134 faces upwards and side 132
faces downwards towards rectangular base 1707.
Thus, as explained, the present disclosure describes
configurations, systems, and methods that address technical
problems associated with making and using paperboard containers. It
will be appreciated that still further embodiments of the present
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of
the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the present
invention is by no means limited to the particular constructions
herein disclosed and/or shown in the drawings, but also comprises
any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the invention.
Examples in particular include but are not limited to, changing the
final aspect ratio of the folded box, utilizing different grades of
paperboard, flute size, or otherwise different foldable materials.
Furthermore it shall be appreciated that different types or classes
of adhesives could be used; pressure sensitive adhesive, hot-melt,
or any other type of glue/adhesive would suffice. Even a strip of
tape could be used to join the surfaces appropriately.
While the present disclosure describes various exemplary
embodiments, the disclosure is not so limited. To the contrary, the
disclosure is intended to cover various modifications, uses,
adaptations, and equivalent arrangements based on the principles
disclosed. Further, this application is intended to cover such
departures from the present disclosure as come within at least the
known or customary practice within the art to which it pertains. It
is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various
modifications and equivalent structures and functions without
departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as recited in
the following claims. The scope of the following claims is to be
accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such
modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
* * * * *